Sharkie's TSI Amarok Build

[Lucas_R]

Nothing looks or works quite as well as an OEM solution. Nicely done. Having a wireless Carplay system and a decent sized screen really modernises the car doesn't it.

[Sharkie]

Been playing with adding CarPlay to BigRed lately.

1st attempt was a RCD340 Pro/G with a classic style (RNS510 shape and size) and a 6.5" screen. This worked well and had full integration to the MY14 Amarok's systems as necessary. The angle of the screen in the Amarok is a pain and 6.5" is getting to look a bit small but the real pain is the front placing of the only USB port that you need to connect your phone to. A cable detracts from the look and a wireless dongle sits right there in your face.

Then ...

2nd attempt was a new-to-market RCD880Pro with an 8" screen. It is an OEM VW radio from China and has a rear USB port as well as a front. Using the rear port means no unsightly wireless adaptor. Looks pretty good and full interaction with all onboard electronics.

Testing front USB


End result - wireless CarPlay bigscreen VW OEM radio for a 2014 Amarok

[EZZA]

How's the build coming along?

Took a light '4wd only' track in the 2wd TSI Rok the other day, was happy with how it handled it but did make me think of your build and how 4WD and low range would be nice at times.

[TSOTSI]

Looking good Yster,

Maybe I should do a V6 swop like in brazil LOL in the single cab.

but welldone on work.

[lloydus67]

Coming along nicely lukas


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sharkie]

Major progress milestone achieved ...

TDI gearbox (used) on the way into Big Red


TDI gearbox and transfer case (and propshaft) fitted



Big Red is now driveable again as the TDI box does not have a 3rd gear synchro issue (still in 2WD but with all 4WD hardware fitted). Next up is the electronics.

[Sharkie]

So the 2wd Amarok is 4wd now?

Not quite, almost there. Just a progress update

Front bits are now done ... new aluminium sump, front diff (serviced too) and FR and FL driveshafts in. Sump clearance was probably the most complicated issue so far.

All electrics from the donor is ready to go in with all required control units plus entire gearbox/transfer case/rear diff loom. Next major mechanical items are transfer case and rear driveshafts.

[Lucas_R]

So the 2wd Amarok is 4wd now?

[Sharkie]

I don’t know, as I can never seem to see any of your photos
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Definitely not my photos; I'd suggest using a different browser/app if photos are a problem for you.

[lloydus67]

Sharkie's TSI Amarok Build

I don’t know, as I can never seem to see any of your photos



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sharkie]

4WD conversion progress

I will be doing a full build thread on this as somebody may find it useful.

Some teasers though ...




Who can tell me what milestone was just reached? LOL

[Sharkie]

Ah got it, i do remember you writing that now.
So my issue will be trying to find a factory locked petrol diff with the 4.3 ratio or trying to find an aftermarket e-locking or trutrak center to convert my current diff.
There's an ARB air locker center for sale at the minute for $600 but I don't want to have to run a compressor to actuate it etc.

The 2WD diesels also ran the same diff as the TSI, might be a few more of those around.

[EZZA]

Which is why my stock gearbox is going in for an upgrade. It has a broken 3rd gear synchro anyway, so sending it in for a longer 1st and 2nd second plus all round syncho replacement to make them stronger. Have a specialist gearbox place in Brisbane that does custom builds.

Will be using the donor's gearbox whilst that is being done.

Ah got it, i do remember you writing that now.
So my issue will be trying to find a factory locked petrol diff with the 4.3 ratio or trying to find an aftermarket e-locking or trutrak center to convert my current diff.
There's an ARB air locker center for sale at the minute for $600 but I don't want to have to run a compressor to actuate it etc.

[Sharkie]

Yeah but as far as I understand it's the other way round, so the 2wd petrol has the highest gearing and therefore shortest gears.

Which is why my stock gearbox is going in for an upgrade. It has a broken 3rd gear synchro anyway, so sending it in for a longer 1st and 2nd second plus all round syncho replacement to make them stronger. Have a specialist gearbox place in Brisbane that does custom builds.

Will be using the donor's gearbox whilst that is being done.

[EZZA]

Yeah but as far as I understand it's the other way round, so the 2wd petrol has the highest gearing and therefore shortest gears.